In recent years, patches have gained a great amount of popularity in the world of fashion and self-expression. In the world of patches, iron-on patches have been on the rise as they are used in almost every accessory or clothing you see, from bags and clothing to even decorative items. These patches serve various purposes as they are used to mend fabric tears and to represent affiliations or achievements. However, these patches do have multi-purpose use, but also require proper care. In this blog, we will go through the facts about iron patches and how to preserve & extend their life.
How Long Does An Iron-On Patch Last Normally?
Iron-on patches have been part of the fashion world for a very long time, allowing for the modification of garments and accessories for self-expression. These serve as a convenient way of personalizing each garment. These crests last, depending on the cloth of the fabric and how it is applied. On average, the life of an iron patch is from 3 to 5 years if the cloth is washed and taken care of.
INCREASING THE LIFE OF IRON-ON PATCHES
What are Iron-on Patches and their Application?
These are types of patches that are used in fabrics to showcase one’s creativity and as a way to demonstrate personal expression. These patches are easy to apply; you don’t need to be the craftiest individual to use them. Their durability is ensured by the way they are applied to a fabric; if they are perfectly attached to a fabric, then obviously, they would last longer. The cloth must be clean and dry before applying these emblems, and it must be placed on a level, stable surface, such as an ironing board. Now, set the patch where you need to attach it, make sure the iron is warmed, and press the iron firmly there for 30 to 40 seconds. Flip the garment inside out and repeat the process for the back to ensure that the adhesive backing is well-bonded to the fabric.
Choosing the Right Fabric
Fabric plays a huge role in the longevity and durability of the patches. You should be careful when choosing the fabric, as each fabric works differently with iron-on crests. Natural fabrics, such as denim and cotton, provide a longer and stronger hold compared to synthetic fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, which are not good with heat. You should avoid fabrics that are too stretchy or textured, as they don’t sit well with adhesive backing and can loosen over time. For optimal results, make sure that you apply patches to smooth, tough, and heat-resistant material.
Avoid Frequent Washing
One of the main factors that reduces the life of an iron-on patch is consistent washing. Washing your clothes that have iron-on patches makes them fade, and eventually, they wear off. To minimize the damage, you can reduce the number of garments when washing one with a patch and avoid using harmful detergents. If possible, make sure that you spot-clean the area that requires cleaning using a soap or a soft cloth.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Patches wear out if they are consistently exposed to extreme heat. Avoid ironing directly on the patch whenever you are ironing the garment, as this can weaken the adhesive and distort the design. Also, prevent rubbing the patch with rough surfaces, seatbelts, etc. This also wears it out due to constant friction.
Use Gentle Washing Techniques
Now, you can’t wear clothes that are dirty or haven’t been cleaned. What you need to do is adopt gentle cleaning techniques, such as turning the fabric inside out when washing, to reduce the impact of the cycle. Make sure that you use cold water and a mild detergent that prevents the patch from falling out. Avoid washing your patched clothes with other heavy clothes, such as jeans or jackets, as they might rub against the patch and cause damage to it. To ensure that you have high-quality Embroidery Patches Canada for your clothes and accessories, make sure to pick the right supplier.
Air Drying Over Machine Drying
Avoid using dryers, as their heat can be very harmful to iron-on patches. The intense heat from the dryer could weaken the adhesives by melting them and loosening their entire patch. Therefore, use air drying for your clothing with patches to extend the life of your fabric. You can lay the item flat or hang it up on the wires to dry in the sunlight. If you think you have no time and urgently need to use the dryer, make sure you use it on the lowest heat setting.
Iron with Caution
Over time, the crests and their edges start to get lifted, and this is normal, especially after a few washes. When this happens, you can easily reattach the emblems by ironing them again, but this has to be done very carefully. Place a cloth over the patch and press the iron down gently for a few seconds. Make sure that you don’t move the iron back and forth, as this can dislocate the patch and damage its design. Only apply heat to the lifted sections and allow them to cool down properly before removing the garment.
Sewing for Extra Support
You can increase their lives by first applying it to the fabric and then sewing it from the sides, as this ensures additional support to the patch. This is a smart way you make sure that when the adhesive starts falling out, the patch remains in its place. You can use a matching or an invisible-looking thread to attach it directly to the clothing or the accessory you want. This not only strengthens the patch but also provides a decorative touch to the patch.
Final Takeaway!!
These patched garments, no matter what type of patch, are a fun and creative way of improving your wardrobe and other accessories. Iron-on patches are the kind of patches that require attention and care. From proper application and fabric choice to gentle washing and proper drying requirements, all of these add up to increase the life of the patch. Adopting these techniques ensures that the patch remains attached and vibrantly represents your personal style or affiliations for as long as possible.